Last Epoch: A New Challenger in the Action RPG Genre

By: Staff Writer

Last Epoch, the latest action RPG from Eleventh Hour Games, has been making waves in the gaming community since its release on Feb. 21. The game has quickly gained popularity on Steam, where it currently ranks among the top 10 most-played games. Many players have drawn comparisons between Last Epoch and the upcoming Diablo 4, with some even considering it a refuge from the troubled period surrounding Blizzard’s latest installment.

However, it’s important to note that Last Epoch has been in development for several years, with its first playable demo and Kickstarter campaign dating back to 2018. This indicates that the game’s development was not a direct response to Diablo 4, which was only revealed in late 2019 and released in June 2023. For the developers at Eleventh Hour Games, Last Epoch represents a pure expression of their vision for the action RPG genre.

It’s not uncommon for a new challenger to emerge in response to a popular franchise. When Diablo 3 faced challenges during its initial release in 2012, Grinding Gear Games introduced Path of Exile, offering a darker and more complex alternative to Blizzard’s game. Similarly, Last Epoch presents a distinct art style that sets it apart from its competitors, featuring vivid and bright visuals that diverge from the traditional grimdark aesthetics of the genre.

As the action RPG market continues to evolve, Last Epoch’s success on Steam and its positive reception among players indicate a promising future for the game. With its unique approach and long-standing development history, Last Epoch has positioned itself as a noteworthy contender in the genre, offering players an alternative experience to established titles like Diablo 4.